When people hurt us, attack us, and even cause and plan all kinds of evil against us, it’s hard to forgive and even harder to forget. Joseph had years to think about what his brothers had done and the damaging domino effect it brought into his life. And when he was reunited with his brothers in Egypt, he had the power to get back. Joseph is amazing in his faith walk and in the way he handles this moment when he is reunited with his brothers and when he has every opportunity to get even. He doesn’t get even; no, he forgives. A sermon on Genesis 50:15-26.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #4 - Leaving Guilt Behind
Our own sins have a way of haunting us and lingering in the backs of our minds. Our conscience has a good memory of what we’ve done to hurt others. Consciously or subconsciously, we think to ourselves that “what goes around comes around.” How do we and can we move forward in the peace that God’s forgiveness gives us when our past sins come back to haunt us? Though we may remember, God does not! A sermon on Genesis 42:18-28.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #3 - Exploding Whales
So much happens in our lives; it happens to us and on every side all the way around us. Joseph suffered more pain in his life unjustly than perhaps any except Job. And yet we never hear Joseph complain or even freak out because of what was going on. How? That’s not how we normally respond to react to adversity or interpret events in our life. Joseph knew that God was with him and that God was working in all these events, even if he couldn’t see it. God teaches us to react to the events of life and interpret them in view of his constant presence.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #2 - Untangling Temptation
Following Jesus and obeying his word is a tall order. Our own sinful flesh is opposed to it naturally. But add to this the additional lure that the world draws us with. It is a test we daily face. Joseph faced it when he served in Potiphar’s house. God teaches us how to past the test and promises to help us in temptation. A sermon on Genesis 39.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #1 - The Meaning of Garments
Garments have significance and meaning. For Joseph, having garments meant one thing and having those garments taken away, mean another. In this first sermon in the series, we’ll explore the meaning of garments and what garments we have and wear not matter our circumstances. A sermon on Genesis 37:1-11.
All Things New - #5 - Our Life of Worship
I am prayerful that the words of the writer are yours: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:9-10). Enjoy his rest, people of God.
A sermon on selections from Genesis 1 and 2.
All Things New - #4 - It is Not Good for Man to be Alone
“It’s not good for man to be alone.” That was God’s analysis of things after he had created Adam. He knew that Adam needed “a suitable helper.” He needed a support system and God gave it to him by creating Eve, by creating marriage, the family, and even the church. God has done the same for all of us. Whether married or unmarried, child or adult, we have a support system. Today, we learn to see God’s design for marriage, for the family, and for the church as we study Genesis 2:15-22.
All Things New - #3 - Our Life of Work
As we begin a new year there are some really important questions that we need to ask: Who am I? Why am I here? We want to know our identity. We want to know our purpose. Last week, we learned about our identity - through faith we are, once again, in the image of God. We have his Spirit powerfully working in us. This week, we learn to see our purpose and our place in this world. We’re looking at Genesis 1:28-30; 2:15 #allthingsnew
All Things New - #2 - The Image of God
The challenges that face us in this new year are significant. The struggle is real. And it is not just a challenge coming at us from the outside, it is also rising up against us on the inside.
What power do we have against these challenges? What help do we have in this struggle?
This week, we gain a better understanding of who we are as human beings. We learn to see the power that is at our disposal. Genesis 1:26-27 #allthingsnew
All Things New - #1 - In the beginning
As a new year begins, we had hoped for a new start. Yet, memes are already asking for a refund and cancelation of 2021.
How can we face this new year with optimism and hope? This week, we learn of our God who rules over it all and walks will with us in 2021. Genesis 1:1-5 #allthingsnew